50 pages • 1 hour read
Zora Neale HurstonMules and Men
Nonfiction | Anthology/Varied Collection | Adult | Published in 1935A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Mules and Men, Zora Neale Hurston collects and records Black folklore from the rural American South, divided into two main parts: one section featuring 70 folktales from Florida communities and another detailing her experiences with six hoodoo practitioners in New Orleans. The book includes a Glossary, Appendix, and supplemental introductions and an afterword in later editions. The book contains the use of racial slurs and epithets, including the use of the n-word.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Mules and Men by Zora Neale Hurston receives praise for its vivid portrayal of African American folklore and culture. Critics commend Hurston's narrative style and the rich authenticity of her ethnographic work. However, some note that the book's structure can occasionally feel disjointed. Overall, it is celebrated for its significant contribution to cultural preservation.
Who Should Read Mules and Men?
Readers who enjoy Mules and Men by Zora Neale Hurston are often intrigued by African American folklore, anthropology, and oral traditions. Fans of The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Bois or Beloved by Toni Morrison will appreciate Hurston's rich storytelling and cultural insights.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
960LBook Details
Fairy Tale / Folklore
African American Literature
Anthropology
Identity: Race
Identity: Language
Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies